Kyla "Pebbles" Smith Alexander

Kyla "Pebbles" Smith Alexander, 46, of Huntsville, died Friday, July 21, at Countryside Assisted Living where she was a resident for 3 years. She was born December 12, 1970 in Huntsville to Kathleen Griggs Smith Bass. She was raised in Rogers but often stayed with her grandparents, Freeman and Ruth Griggs, in Huntsville during her childhood. In 2007, Pebbles was diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A year later, she suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in anoxic brain damage and long-term disability. Before moving into assisted living, Pebbles lived at home under the care of her devoted mother, until her passing in 2013, and then her sister Regina Morris. In June she was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. After operating her home-based daycare for several years, she worked as a buyer's assistant for ladies apparel at Walmart; previously, she was a clerk for the Benton County Revenue Office. She had fun riding motorcycles, cruising in hot rods, listening to rock and metal music, and spending good times with family and friends. She enjoyed doing all types of crafts, especially painting (painting anything and everything), adult coloring, sticker art, and creating floral wreaths. She played a mean hand of computer solitaire and obsessed over jigsaw puzzles. She loved sunflowers and collected sunflower knickknacks. Her favorite color was yellow. Soon after her PAD diagnosis, she modeled for AY Magazine to promote "Go Red for Women," a campaign to increase awareness of heart disease in women. A Christian, Pebbles was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Bentonville on August 17, 1986. Recently, she was ministered by Matt McBride at Countryside. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, optimism, and sense of humor. She delighted in giving unexpected, funny one-line quips. She was enduring, encouraging, and gracious; her life evolved into extraordinary lessons of love and humility. She is preceded in death by her mother and grandparents. She is survived by two sisters and their spouses: Regina and Isaiah Morris of Farmington, Tammy and Billy Mata of Haslet, Texas; one son, Tanner Alexander of Fayetteville; one daughter, Tiffani Leimberg of Rogers; one granddaughter: Addison Leimberg; and nieces and nephews, Skyler, Hailey, Aaliyah, Ethan, and Liberty. The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Countryside Assisted Living for their compassionate care while Pebbles was a resident, especially during her final months. This includes Dr. Ivan Box, Tara Box, Lenora Riedel, Audrey, Cassie, Donna, Heather, Jeanette, Kara, Kim, Lorna, Nurse Tina, Pam, Red, Shelley, Sue, Tamera, and countless others. Thank you with all of our hearts. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel in Springdale. Family and friends will have an opportunity to tell Pebbles stories during the service.